SENSORY PROCESSING IN PRETERM CHILDREN AT 5 YEARS OF AGE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH SCHOOL READINESS

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the sensory profile of preterm children an to investigate the relationship between sensory processing and school readiness at five years of age. Methods: Seventy-six children aged 60-72 months (36 preterm children born <37 weeks of gestation and 40 age-matched term children) were enrolled in the study. Sensory processing was assessed using the Sensory Profile of Dunn, and school readiness was evaluated using the Marmara Primary School Readiness Scale. Results: Sensory processing scores of the preterm group were significantly lower than the term group (p<0.05) at five years of age. Sensory symptoms in preterm preschoolers were associated with school readiness (p<0.05). Total Sensory Profile score was a significant predictor for school readiness in preterms (p<0.05). Conclusion: Preterm children exhibited more sensory processing disorder than their term typical peers. Sensory processing disorders in preterm children may affect their school readiness at five years of age.